Re: two questions about hair salons..Marti...

: : recently i went to a new hair salon and the hair stylist used combs from a drawer rather than from that jar with the blue disinfecting solution in it. is that hygenic? i thought salons were supposed to disinfect all combs, brushes, anything they put on a clients hair. the comb had some gel on it from a prior use, too. my second question is why don't hair stylists realize they have to use different combs and brushes for thick, wavy, hair that tangles easily, and that they have to brush it carefully and gently, starting from the ends? i have had hair stylists try to pull a relatively fine tooth comb through my hair, or go at my hair with a stiff bristled brush as if it were straight, fine, hair. if feels like they're tearing it. this has happened with more than one stylist. is there a polite way to bring up the fact that they need to learn how to work differently with different types of hair?

: Every single comb, brush, etc., that is used on one client is to immediately be washed with soap and water, rinsed, and immersed in a hospital grade sanitizing solution. they are to remain in the solution for 10 minutes, rinsed, dried and stored in a sealed container until use. The drawer does NOT constitute a 'sealed container' as air, contaminates and airborne pathogens can contaminate the implements. The scissors are to be sanitized in this manner as well. All cutting capes are to be used only once, and neck strips are to be applied between the skin and the cutting cape. Most states require that the State Rule booklet be on premises and in view so the public can read it. Many salons do not have the booklet at all, much less make it available to their customers. Why? For reasons you just stated! If the hairdresser is hurting you when she combs/brushes your hair, just tell her so. After all, it's your head -- you don't need to pay her for the pain she is causing, only for the excellent haircut and sanitation procedures she practices. If you see something on a comb before she uses it on your head, ask for a clean one. She shouldn't use one straight out of the sanitizing container, as it is a chemical that should not come in contact with skin.

WOW, I didn't know that about the cutting capes. When my husband gets his hair cut they always use the same cape the guy before had. Is the "rule" different when the cape is plastic as oppose to fabric?